Ukraine’s meme war with Russia is no laughing matter

still remember the good ol’ days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #’s breadbasket,” tweeted @Russia, a government-run Twitter account, posting a series of pictures of cheerful old-time Soviet scenes. “A lot of that, and much more, is available in #Russia’s #Crimea today.” An hour later @Ukraine responded to Russia’s message with the suggestion that it had been posted by a “toxic ex”.This exchange, in 2020, was a warm-up for a social-media war that has continued even as actual war breaks out on the ground. Ukrainian officials from the president down have posted and promoted viral content designed to attract the attention of international as well as domestic audiences. The graphics and gags may seem frivolous. But the battle for online likes and shares is part of a strategy to shape the views of Western voters—and their governments.